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We've all heard it, maybe even said it ourselves: "Haters gonna hate." It’s true that bitterness seems to be everywhere these days. We encounter people consumed by it, and unfortunately, they rarely keep that bitterness to themselves. It spreads like wildfire, often manifesting as jumping to conclusions or tearing others down.
What's truly heartbreaking is when this bitterness comes from believers. The Apostle Paul warns us directly, stating that such attitudes bring "sorrow to God's Holy Spirit." This is something we definitely want to avoid.
Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV [29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (emphasis mine)
The word all leaves no room for exceptions. Whatever your cause – whether it's doctrinal, theological, political, or personal – if it makes you a mean, argumentative, or malicious person, you've completely missed the point. You're prioritizing the wrong thing.
We see churches splinter and communities divide when they should be uniting, simply because people adopt an "if you're not with us, you're against us" mentality. I often get asked, "Where do you stand on these issues?" If that's your primary concern, you're missing the bigger picture. The issue isn't where you stand on every single point; people are entitled to their own opinions.
The real issue, the true standard, is found in Jesus' own words.
John 13:34-35 NIV [34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
I realize that this is an incredibly high bar. Jesus didn't just love those who agreed with Him. He gave His life to save everyone, even those who rejected, mocked, tortured, and crucified Him. And that's the kind of radical love He calls us to show.
So, here's the key takeaway: Do whatever you do in love. Don't tear others down. Don't weaponize your beliefs to destroy relationships or reputations. Our primary mission as believers is to share the Gospel. That's where our energy and focus should primarily be channeled in today's culture.
Bitterness is often a symptom of a deeper spiritual problem. When I see someone constantly lashing out, regardless of their stated cause, my first thought is that they need to reconnect with the Lord. They need to get their priorities back in order. They need to return to their first love – Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NIV [16] So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (emphasis mine)
Bitterness and resentment are part of that old life. Until we truly rid ourselves of them, we can't fully experience all the abundant life God has in store for us in our new life in Christ.
What's truly heartbreaking is when this bitterness comes from believers. The Apostle Paul warns us directly, stating that such attitudes bring "sorrow to God's Holy Spirit." This is something we definitely want to avoid.
Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV [29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (emphasis mine)
The word all leaves no room for exceptions. Whatever your cause – whether it's doctrinal, theological, political, or personal – if it makes you a mean, argumentative, or malicious person, you've completely missed the point. You're prioritizing the wrong thing.
We see churches splinter and communities divide when they should be uniting, simply because people adopt an "if you're not with us, you're against us" mentality. I often get asked, "Where do you stand on these issues?" If that's your primary concern, you're missing the bigger picture. The issue isn't where you stand on every single point; people are entitled to their own opinions.
The real issue, the true standard, is found in Jesus' own words.
John 13:34-35 NIV [34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
I realize that this is an incredibly high bar. Jesus didn't just love those who agreed with Him. He gave His life to save everyone, even those who rejected, mocked, tortured, and crucified Him. And that's the kind of radical love He calls us to show.
So, here's the key takeaway: Do whatever you do in love. Don't tear others down. Don't weaponize your beliefs to destroy relationships or reputations. Our primary mission as believers is to share the Gospel. That's where our energy and focus should primarily be channeled in today's culture.
Bitterness is often a symptom of a deeper spiritual problem. When I see someone constantly lashing out, regardless of their stated cause, my first thought is that they need to reconnect with the Lord. They need to get their priorities back in order. They need to return to their first love – Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NIV [16] So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (emphasis mine)
Bitterness and resentment are part of that old life. Until we truly rid ourselves of them, we can't fully experience all the abundant life God has in store for us in our new life in Christ.
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